CULVER-STOCKTON COLLEGE
SOCIOLOGY STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
Sociology can be defined as the systematic study of human societies. In order to engage in this study, students will be introduced to major theoretical and methodological issues of the discipline. Students will be able to choose from a wide selection of topical courses. These courses bring various theoretical and methodological understandings to the analysis of specific social structures and processes. MINOR IN SOCIOLOGY (18 HOURS) Core Courses (15 hours) SOC 102: Introduction to Sociology (3) SOC 203: Social Problems (3) SOC 315: Criminology (3) SOC 317: Juvenile Delinquency (3) SOC 326: Social Psychology (3) Elective Courses (3 hours) 3 hours of sociology electives
SOCIOLOGY COURSES
SOC 102: Introduction to Sociology (3) Introduction to the study of people and society. This course presents the basic elements of sociology from the framework of the sociological paradigms. Included are theories of human development, behavior, and the efforts made in trying to understand the interrelationships between people and society. Offered every semester. SOC 203: Social Problems (3) Significant contemporary social problems are studied, including poverty, family disorganization, mental illness, population growth, social stratification, war, and crime. Prerequisite: SOC 102. SOC 211: Sociology of the Family (3) A sociological survey of the aspects and issues of the family. Included are the demographics, issues, trends, definitions, problems, and the philosophies related to marriage and family. Prerequisite: SOC 102 or consent of instructor. SOC 212: Corrections See CJ 212.
(3)
SOC 289: Selected Topics in Sociology (1–3) A study of selected issues not covered in other courses. May involve field trips and/or travel. Course may be repeated. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. SOC 299: Study Abroad (1–3) Students will study a variety of topics by combining college classroom activities with travel. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Offered as needed.
186
SOC 310: Deviant Behavior See CJ 310.
(3)
SOC 311: Race and Ethnicity (3) The ways in which race and ethnicity are socially constructed and the efforts on individuals and society of these constructions are examined in this intense, but exciting 3-week offering. It is not popular in today’s cultural climate to be openly racist, yet we continue to see covert racism practiced daily. From deciding on home loans to job interviews, from introducing a person of another race or ethnicity to the family, to securing a college education, we each experience discrimination or practice it, often without even realizing it. Who benefits, who loses, and what can be done about equalizing the playing field are central to understanding the impact of power and privilege and difference. SOC 313: Patterns of Social Class and Inequality (3) A study of societal structures, patterns of stratification, functions and purposes of social inequality, and implications for the future. Prerequisite: SOC 102. SOC 315: Criminology See CJ 315.
(3)
SOC 316: Violence and the Family (3) Exploration of child abuse, intimate partner abuse, and elder abuse in what should be “loving relationships.” Emphasis is on characteristics of abusers, effects on victims, and intervention strategies at the societal and individual levels.
2021-2022 Academic Catalog
